Hey there!
Wow, I better improve on my update frequency. There has just been so much going on! Not to worry, I am committing to be a diligent blogger while I am on the field…it’s just this whole getting there part that is pretty hairy : )
Well, for those of you who haven’t already heard, my budget has been raised. PRAISE GOD! I can’t say it enough times. If you have been praying for this need or giving financially in any way shape or form, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is so appreciated. I could not have done this without the incredible sacrifices of time and money that so many of my friends/family have made. Wow. So humbling.
I feel like I am the recipient of a true financial miracle and all of the glory for that goes to the Lord. My friend Kara, a Missionary Associate to Thailand, made the comment that God is so faithful to who He has called. She experienced the same financial hurdle, and she is now on the field doing amazing things for God. It’s true. There were times when I had my doubts…believe me. I complained. I cried. I threw little tantrums. Not my finer moments…considering that all the while, God was patiently taking care of my financial needs – in His time, not mine. My date of departure is still a little bit up in the air, but I know I am leaving within the first week of May. Probably the 3rd, 4th or 5th. Just about one month from now! Crazy.
Now that my financial needs are met, my next step is to complete the VISA process. Getting a VISA will be challenging, but I trust that it will work out. I may need to go on a tourist visa for 90 days, come home, and try again in order to get there by May for the European conference in Spain. This will be my first big event, and then May will be filled with teams coming and going. Basically, I’ll be hitting the ground running. Maybe literally. haha. It’s all so exciting. People ask me all of the time if I’m nervous. Of course I am! But I have always felt a knot/butterflies in my stomach before making any trip overseas. Traveling does get easier over time, but a two-year stay in a place where I don’t know the language (yet)
Thessaloniki from the sea
is a big hurdle for me. That’s where the Holy Spirit will just have to come in and give me boldness. It’s my job to be as street-smart and prepared as possible, and after that, God has to just come in and do the rest. I am so thankful for the C-bass family and for the ability to live with people that know how to navigate the Greek culture and language.
How can you pray? Please pray that all of the details will come together for my visa. Pray that I will have the strength to get through all of the tough goodbyes I have to make this month. Pray that I will be able to continue to make the most of my last few weeks as a waitress…spreading God’s love even in the final stretch of this transition year. If I can’t reach out to people in the restuarant I work at here, how could I do so abroad?
Thanks for your support and love,
Andrea
